President Mnangagwa lauds local private sector

Bulawayo (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday commended the local private sector for its resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and guaranteed continued government support to grow the local industry.
President Mnangagwa said this while officially opening the 61st edition of the delayed Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
He said government would continue guaranteeing a predictable policy environment and the safety of investments.
“In this new normal, the private sector remains a vital cog in the development of viable industrial and commercial enterprises as well as to promoting overall economic growth of our economy. I applaud the private sector for demonstrating resilience in the face of the pandemic and lockdown measures which my government has instituted from time to time,” he said.
“By adopting the local content strategy, and adapting to the various policy measures, you deserve due commendation. As a result, Zimbabwe has been declared one of the fastest growing economies in the region as well as one of the fastest movers on the World Bank doing business index. In addition, we are pleased that through our collective efforts, the growth projections for 2021 will surpass earlier economic targets.
“These success milestones, demonstrate the convergence of the positive national sentiments and unity of purpose between the private sector, the government and all the people of our great country Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa said private sector led initiatives would be facilitated to bolster achievements made towards the realisation of aspirations envisaged in national and global development agendas.
“My government is unwavering in its commitment to implement bold policies and programmes to project Zimbabwe as an attractive business and investment destination,” he said.
Turning to the fair, President Mnangagwa commended the ZITF for organising a high quality event during a pandemic.
“In spite of the covid-19 pandemic, it is quite commendable that the ZITF continues getting better with each passing year as evidenced by the diverse and high quality of exhibitions as well as the space occupancy of more than 90 percent. This also serves as a testimony of the confidence stakeholders have in Zimbabwe’s economy.”
The trade fair was running under the theme; “Showcasing the new normal for business and industry, realities and opportunities.”
New Ziana